There's a magical combination of light and texture in the clouds at sunset during Tucson's monsoon season.
The rains have been spotty this summer, leading some to call this our Nonsoon Season. But all good things come to he who waits, and last night as I drove over Gates Pass on my way home, I could see that I needed to find a place to pull over and pick up the camera.
I took this photo at about 7:20 p.m. on Kinney Road, just north of the intersection with Gates Pass Road. That's the location of Old Tucson Studios, for you movie buffs. I pass it most nights on my way home.
The westerly sky was already fading as I parked the old Ford Explorer at one of the pull-outs on this scenic road. (No cash-for-clunkers for me. Mine's paid for.) Looking south, though, this was my view.
That flat horizon could almost be an ocean, couldn't it? It's deceiving. There are rolling hills and mountains to the right and to the left of my vantage point.
Okay. It's almost 4:45 a.m., and I want to get this on the blog before I go walk. I promised Bill Archambault in Houston that I would. Morning, Bill!
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I do love the desert skies at night here in Phoenix, AZ. Thanks for sharing this lovely photo with us.
You pass this most nights on your way home? Not a bad commute! What a fabulous photo!
Sharon,
It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it. LOL
Harry,
Thanks for being the first to comment. You're another potential member of the "Late Night, Early Morning at Active Rain" group!
Mike in Tucson
Beautiful, Mike! We just don't get that type of color in the Triangle.
Mike,
I think the light and color has to do with being closer to the equator. I grew up in South America, just three degrees off the equator, and we had the most fantastic sunsets!
Mike in Tucson
OK, now that is just fabulous!
the color is almost unbelievible
your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!
I am in the NE but I love the AZ desert. I hope to relocate to Scottsdale someday. The photo is awesome.
Gloria,
As a former resident of LBI, I wish you success in your westerly migration! LOL
We get the most fantastic summer sunsets. This is an oil painting by our own Lenn Harley, inspired by one of my "on the way home" photos.
Mike in Tucson
Mike - Great shot. We don't usually get the opportunity here in Tennessee to see the sky like that.
Good Morning Mike!
Great come back.
Like I told my Mother, "Oh' there's a center fold, I hadn't noticed. I read the articles!"
Of course I didn't grow up in the middle of a "National Geography" article.
Bill
These are beautiful Mike - I'll bet you could sell that!
Mike, That's about as pretty a picture I have ever seen. Just spectacular. Thanks for sharing and keep that camera near by.
Hi Mike
That is an outstanding photo, with great color.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Mike,
I caught this sunset on Pusch Ridge on the way to my home in Oro Valley. It was incredible. Unfortunately, by the time I got home to snap the pic, most of the lustre had disappeared.
Another beautiful shot, Mike! But ... 4:45 AM????? Ummmmmmmmmm - I'm thinking maybe a little sleep is in order. :)
Hi Mike, WOW there is something about a desert sunset that makes it so spectacular. In West Texas they say it's the dust but whatever that is one excellent photo!
Great shot Mike. When I first started visiting Tucson I had a friend who lived on the West side and Gate's Pass at sunset was a preferred place to meet up and have a cigar as the sun went down.
You seems to be at the right spot at the right times... Great pic!
That's a great picture. I don't see that view at night and I live in the same town. Just kidding, I do see it but don't have a digital camera. We do live in a beautiful town though.
Ah! Mike, you are a master of many trades. Beautiful picture of a beautiful sunset. Monsoons bring so much to our desert.
The color is so intense it looks like you photo shopped it. What a great shot.
Terry,
The colors are real, but the whole sky didn't look like the photo. The 10X Leica zoom makes it seem that way, though. Colors do get intense out here. It's what makes Arizona Highways a best seller around the world. It's good to see you.
Jane,
Thanks for stopping by to comment. I have digital photography to thank for my photos. I couldn't afford to buy the film. LOL
Michael,
Someone needs to put the "Dad needs a digital camera" bug in the twins' ears before Christmas or your birthday, whichever comes first.
Caron,
Chances of being in the right spot at the right time increase in direct proportion to the number of times I have my camera with me. :)
Simon,
A cigar at sunset on Gates Pass seems like a great idea!
Russell,
When there's dust in the air, the light refracts off the particulates, and we get some of the best sunsets at times like this.
Carol,
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
Patrick,
Carry that camera with you!
Lou,
Thanks for commenting! It's always good to see you.
Margaret,
Thanks for your kind words!
Eleanor,
You buying? :)
Bill,
It was good talking with you this afternoon. Thanks!
Larry,
You're just going to have to visit!
Mike in Tucson
what a great picture...its why we feel so good about living here!
What a gorgeous photo! Nice to see you are stopping to "smell the roses" at the end of your day!
It's been over 15 years in the desert for my family. I will never take the beauty of the desert for granted. This picture is fabluous! Thank you for sharing, Sandy
Wow, Mike...another lovely Tucson skyscape you have shared with us. Thank you!
Amazing, Mike - it looks like the sky is literally on fire! Beautiful!
Mike,
It's been awhile; I'm glad to see that 10 gallon hat of yours! See you on your blog.
Karen,
You're welcome!
Sandy,
You've been here 4 years longer than I have.
Marcia,
We all need to stop and wonder every once in awhile.
Annie,
You and Eddie must have some spectacular photos from your roofdeck!
Mike in Tucson